ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Cabinet approves Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase 2A and Phase 2B
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase 2A  and Phase 2B  of total length 58.19 km. The total completion cost of the project is Rs. 14,788.101 Crore.
Implementation of the project will provide the much needed additional public transport infrastructure to Bangalore.
Objectives:
The project will streamline the urban transportation system in Bengaluru, which is stressed due to intensive developments, increase in the number of private vehicles and heavy construction in the city putting stress on travel infrastructure and industrial activities and to provide the people a safe, secure, reliable and comfortable public transport.
The Metro Project in itself is an innovation over the conventional system of urban transport. The project involves integration with other urban transport system in an efficient and effective manner which is possible only by adopting innovative methods of designing, technology and institutional management.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
World Bank Funding For Schemes Related To Minorities
Ministry of Minority Affairs launched a Central Sector Scheme  namely Nai Manzil on 8th August 2015 with 50% of funding from the World Bank to benefit the minority youth who do not have formal school leaving certificate, i.e., those in the category of school–dropouts or educated in community education institutions like Madarasas. The scheme provided a combination of formal education  and skills and enabled the beneficiaries seek better employment and livelihoods.
Under the scheme grants are not released to State Governments but to the Project Implementing Agencies  empanelled for implementation of the scheme. Under the scheme, 98,712 beneficiaries have been trained with more than 50% women beneficiaries.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
National Games has come at the right time, says women’s hockey coach Schopman
Indian’s women hockey coach Janneke Schopman has been spending considerable time in the spectators’ gallery at the Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium here watching the group stage action in the 36th National Games.
The former Dutch midfielder is on a scouting trip to select fresh faces for the Indian camp and believes that the National Games has come at the right time for women’s hockey.
“The National Games could not have asked for a better time than this 36th edition which enables the athletes to tune up for international engagements,” said Janneke Schopman.
The Indian women’s hockey team is in a rebuilding phase after finishing fourth in the Tokyo Olympics and the coach is keen on expanding the pool of players that can make the squad.
“India has huge talent and such tournament will open doors for them to be spotted. Besides I am here to watch the Haryana team in particular because there are ten Indian players.
“I would have loved to see the Indian players play against each other. I feel sorry for some of them who are not here, as their state have not made the cut,” said the coach who has now sets her eye on the FIH Nation League which is to be held in Spain next month.
Janneke Schopman insisted that domestic tournaments in which up and coming players get to play against international stars were important to expand the talent pool.
“It is a great feeling to see the Internationals from the camp to take part in such domestic events. Domestic calendar is a must for any national side. And it also opens doors for the other players to make the cut into the national side,” she added.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research to celebrate Antarctica Day on 1st December
Goa : 30 November 2022
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research , will be celebrating Antarctica Day on 1st and 2nd December by organizing an 'Open Day'. Antarctica Day is an international day recognizing the anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. Governor of Goa, P. S. Sreedharan Pillai will grace the occasion and inaugurate the celebrations of Antarctica Day.
Through the celebration of Antarctica Day, NCPOR strives to connect with students and the general public and spread awareness and highlight Indian endeavors in the polar and ocean realms. The celebrations will include an exhibition, a popular science talk and 'meet the scientists' session, especially for school and college students to kindle their curiosity about polar and ocean sciences. The Governor of Goa will also release the customized My Stamp, Special Cover, and Cancellation on Bharati,-the Indian Antarctic Research Station, celebrating a decade of its opening, in presence of the Postmaster General, Goa Region, Sayeed Rashid and Director of NCPOR, Dr. Thamban Meloth.
Antarctica Day is celebrated on 1st December every year to highlight the international cooperation that makes the continent's governance possible and to encourage educators to incorporate Antarctica into their curriculum.
About NCPOR :
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research  is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the polar and Southern Ocean realms. It is an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences and has its headquarters in Vasco de Gama, Goa.
About Antarctic treaty :
The Antarctic Treaty System regulates international activities in Antarctica and ensures that signatories undertake scientific work there by preserving its pristine environment and sharing knowledge about the unique icy continent. The main treaty was opened for signature on 1st December 1959. It was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War, setting aside the continent as a scientific preserve, establishing freedom of scientific investigation, and banning military activity.
GSK/SRT/PM
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President's Secretariat
President of India Presents Gallantry Awards
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were the Vice President of India, Prime Minister of India and Union Minister for Defence.
The list of awardees and photographs of the function are attached.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Updating European Union Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive  MoU signed between SEBI and Financial Conduct Authority , United Kingdom
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of Securities & Exchange Board of India  to sign an updated Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive  MoU signed between SEBI and Financial Conduct Authority , UK, pursuant to UK's exit from the European Union on 31st January 2020.
Major impact
The UK exited the EU on 31st January 2020. FCA, UK had submitted to SEBI that no transitional measures would be available if the amended MoU is not signed before the date when the UK exits the European Union , and requested SEBI to sign an updated MoU as early as possible. As such, the proposal is not expected or intended to have any effect on employment in India.
Background
In accordance with the requirement of establishing adequate supervisory cooperation arrangements between EU and non-EU authorities under the European Union Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive , a bilateral MoU was signed by SEBI with securities regulators of 27 member States of EU / European Economic Area, including Financial Conduct Authority , United Kingdom on 28th July 2014. In the context of UK's proposed withdrawal from EU, FCA brought to the notice of SEBI that the existing MoU between SEBI and FCA relating to AIFMD, which is currently anchored on EU law, will no longer apply directly in the UK, and have therefore, suggested signing an updated MoU after amending the AIFMD MoU by suitably modifying it and substituting references to EU legislation with the relevant UK law.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Rashtriya Puruskar Portal launched, nominations open for various Awards
A common Rashtriya Puruskar Portal  has been developed by the Government so as to bring together all the Awards of the various Ministries/Departments/Agencies of the Government of India under one platform to ensure transparency and public partnership . This Portal facilitates every citizen or organisation to nominate individuals/organizations for various Awards instituted by the Government of India.
Currently, nominations/recommendations for the following Awards are open:
- Padma Awards- Last date is 15/09/2022
- Digital India Awards 2022- Last date is 15/09/2022
- National Award for Excellence in Forestry 2022- Last date is 30/09/2022
- National Gopal Ratna Award 2022- Last date is 30/09/2022
- National Water Awards 2022-Last date is 15/09/2022
- Nari Shakti Puraskar 2023- Last date is 31/10/2022
- Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2023- Last date is 30/09/2022
- Jeevan Raksha Padak - Last date is 30/09/2022
For further details and making nominations, please visit Rashtriya Puruskar Portal .
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves Sugar export policy for evacuation of surplus stocks during sugar season 2019-20
About 60 lakh tons sugar to be exported this financial year
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for providing a lump sum export subsidy @ Rs. 10,448 per Metric Tonne  to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20. The total estimated expenditure of about Rs.6,268 crore will be incurred for this purpose.
The lump sum export subsidy will be provided for expenses on marketing costs including handling, upgrading and other processing costs, costs of international and internal transport and freight charges on export of up to 60 Lakh Metric Tonne  of sugar limited to Maximum Admissible Export Quantity  allocated to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20.
The subsidy would be directly credited into farmers’ account on behalf of mills against cane price dues and subsequent balance, if any, would be credited to mill’s account. [[The subsidy shall be in conformity with the provisions of Article 9.1  &  of Agreement on Agriculture  and thus WTO compatible.
In wake of surplus sugar production during sugar season 2017-18 and sugar season 2018-19, notwithstanding various measures taken by the Government, the ensuing sugar season 2019-20 is expected to commence with an opening stock of about 142 LMT and season end stock are expected to be about 162 LMT.
Background:
The surplus stock of 162 LMT of sugar would create downward pressure throughout the season on sugar prices affecting liquidity of the sugar mills thereby leading to accumulation of cane price arrears of farmers.
To deal with this situation, the Government has recently created buffer stock of 40 LMT of sugar for one year from 1st August, 2019. However, even after taking into account this buffer stocking of 40 LMT till 31stJuly, 2020 and likely diversion of sugar by way of production of ethanol from B-heavy molasses/cane juice during SS 2019-20 and requirement of normativestock for two months, there shall be about 60 LMT of excess sugar stock that will need evacuation through export.
Ministry of External Affairs
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra to start at Alipurduar district
Kolkata, 19 December, 2018
A Post Office Passport Seva Kendra  is coming up at Alipurduar district of West Bengal. The inauguration of POPSK at Alipurduar Court Post Office in Buxa Feeder Road, near Fire Brigade will be held on December 29. Only 05 appointments and 10 appointments will be processed respectively on the first two days, that is, on 28th December and 29th December from 10 a.m. onwards. The appointments will be released on website www.passportindia.gov.in from 26th December at 1530 hours onwards. It has been stated that tatkaal, On-Hold files, walk-in and PCC applications will be accepted and processed. After that, 40 appointments will be processed from the next working day, that is, from 31st December.
Passport applicants need to carry their online Application Reference Number  sheets along with other necessary documents of identity proof, proof of address and proof of date of birth, in original as well as self attested photocopy for the purpose. The detail information of the documents required can be obtained from the above-stated website. The applicants have to pay the passport fees through online payment system.
Ministry of Education
Shri Prakash Javadekar to inaugurate the ‘KVS National Integration Camp-Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ tomorrow at Vigyan Bhawan Lawns
A unique opportunity to watch students of Kendriya Vidyalayas showcasing the cultural diversity of India and the world
Union HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar will inaugurate the 2018 edition of ‘KVS National Integration Camp-EK Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ at the lawns of Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday, 31st October 2018. The programme will remain open for public during all three days from 31st October to 2nd November and timings will be 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The concept of National Integration Camp is unique in many ways. The 25 regions of KVS will cover 25 Indian States and 25 Countries altogether in terms of the cultural heritage- Dance, Music, Song, and Socio-Economic progress.
This mega-event is a broad platform for the students to display their creativity, originality, artistic skills, etc. It gives them an opportunity to know about the culture, tradition, art and architecture of not only the other states of India but of the various countries of the world. In the process of satiating the thirst for information, they overcome many challenges and linguistic and geographical barriers and awaken a strong sense of national pride and widen their horizons with a better cosmopolitan outlook. In a nut-shell, the programme not only encompasses performing arts but also provides a glimpse of the processes through which they learn and acquire knowledge.
This year following competitions will be conducted during KVS National Integration Camp – “Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat” & “Lit-Fest”
“Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat”
- Group Song
- Group Dance 
- Theatre
- On the Spot Painting
- Solo Singing
- Solo Classical Dance
- Display of Artefacts
“LitFest”
- Debate 
- Quiz
- Sanskrit Shloka Recitation
- Hindi KaavyaPaath
- English Elocution
- Creative writing
- Spell-Bee
This year 1600 students are coming together to take part in this mega event. The unique feature of this event is that the students of one part of the nation exhibit the cultural diversity of the other part of the country and the world.
KVS National Social Science Exhibition–cum-National Integration Camp is organized at School, Cluster, and Regional & National level every year. All the 25 regions of KVS are allotted one State different from their own State and one Country. The students prepare projects/exhibits on the culture, customs, dress, crops, economy, climate etc of the State and of the Country allotted to them. The States and Countries are exchanged /rotated each year.
Special Service and Features
CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute , Karaikudi observes Open Day on 26th Sep. 2022
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , India, established on 26th September, 1942, is an autonomous society with the Prime Minister of India as its President. As a part of CSIR Foundation Day celebrations Central Electrochemical Research Institute , Karaikudi is observing ‘OPEN DAY’ on 26th September, 2022  from 9.30 a.m to 4.30 p.m.
On the Open Day CSIR-CECRI is providing a glimpse of our scientific & technological achievements, scientific models, science posters for the benefit of school & college students and general public. It is expected that about 20,000 people consisting of General Public and Students Community in and around Karaikudi and from nearby districts will be visiting our Institute on that day. No prior registration is required and there is no entry fee. TNSTC will operate special buses from Karaikudi Old bus stand, New bus stand covering all directions. For further details contact Phone: 04565-241470, 241474,241204 Mobile: 9994614582, 9443609776, 7598449117.
This information given by CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
220.66 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
439 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 25,178
Active cases stand at 0.06%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.76%
3,861 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,44,14,599
1,839 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
92.77 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 73,760 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Identity Documents for Delivery of Services/Benefits of Schemes
The beneficiaries under the Anganwadi Services are identified on the basis of Aadhar, which is used as identity document for delivery of services or benefits which brings in transparency and efficiency and enables beneficiaries to get their entitlements. The beneficiaries not possessing Aadhaar card are assisted by the field functionaries to obtain the Aadhaar card. Till such time, they are provided the services on the basis of alternative identification document.
Following type of Photo ID cards have been allowed by Government of India for availing COVID-19 vaccination at all COVID Vaccination Centres, to ensure that a large basket of photo identity proofs are available for people to avail COVID-19 vaccination. Following Nine Photo Identity Documents can be used by citizens above 18 years of age for registration on Cowin portal.
a. Aadhaar Card
b. Driving License
c. PAN Card
d. Passport
e. Pension Passbook
f. NPR Smart Card
g. Voter ID 
h. Unique Disability Identification Card 
i. Ration Card with Photo
Following 6 Photo Identity documents can be used by citizens 15-18 years of age for registration on Cowin Portal:
a. Aadhaar Card
b. PAN Card
c. Passport
d. Unique Disability Identification Card 
e. Ration Card with Photo
f. Student Photo ID card
Under National COVID-l9 Vaccination Programme, there is provision to facilitate vaccination of persons without prescribed identity cards  through special sessions where 100% vaccination is done through on-site registration by the vaccinator under a special procedure. Government of India has shared a Standard Operating Procedures  regarding 'COVID-19 Vaccination of Persons without Prescribed Identity Cards through Co-WIN' with all States/UTs in May 2021.
As on 4thFebruary, 2022, 48.78% of the total doses were administered to women which approximates to the estimated proportion of women in the country's population which is 48%.
Services are provided to the beneficiaries on the basis of alternative identification document, even if they are not possessing Aadhar Card.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 55.61 kg of foreign gold worth Rs 28 crore
In a spectacular bust of the Myanmar-India gold smuggling network, the Delhi Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  seized 55.61 kg of foreign origin gold valued at Rs. 28 crore from eight persons at two locations, i.e. Delhi and Lucknow on 21st January, 2021.
Specific information was developed by DRI regarding smuggling of huge quantity of foreign origin gold from Myanmar into India through the Indo-Myanmar border and sending it to different parts of India. The spurt of economic activity seen after the lifting of COVID related lockdowns throughout the country, combined with the pent-up demand for gold, coincided with a surge in such smuggling activities. The blocking of air routes through the lock down period also saw a significant shift in the modus operandi of smugglers from the air routes to the land route through the Indo-Myanmar border.
Keeping constant vigil over these routes, and with a view to thwarting any large-scale smuggling efforts, the officers of DRI have made a string of spectacular gold seizures in the past six months. These include seizure of 51.33 kg of smuggled gold in November 2020 by the DRI Guwahati Zonal Unit, seizure of 84 kg and 66 kg of smuggled gold in August and November 2020, respectively, by the DRI Zonal Unit, and the present seizure of 55.61 kg of gold by the Delhi Zonal Unit, being the latest in the series.
Due to the intensive counter-smuggling efforts by DRI, the smugglers have been seen to shift their preferred modus from vehicle concealment to in-person concealment. However, in the latest operation, codenamed “Golden Triangle”, which was a coordinated effort by the officers of Delhi Zonal Unit and Lucknow Zonal Unit of DRI, the modus of human concealment has also been busted where the carriers were found to have been concealing the gold bars in belts worn around their waists. Five such passengers were intercepted by officers of DRI, Delhi Zonal Unit near Delhi and three passengers were intercepted by the officers of DRI, Lucknow Zonal Unit at Lucknow. Search of the persons resulted in recovery and seizure of 335 gold bars, weighing 55.61 kg. The said 8 persons have been apprehended and further investigations are underway.
The Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Sh. Anurag Singh Thakur visited the office of DRI, Delhi Zonal Unit to congratulate the officers of DRI for the successful seizure. Chairman CBIC and Pr. DG, DRI were also present. Shri Thakur appreciated the efforts made by the officers and encouraged them to effect even bigger seizures in the future.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Arunachal Pradesh Govt. busts the Fake news on Shortage of food grain in the State during lockdown
FACT CHECK REPORT FROM ARUNACHAL PRADESH
There were reports in few media platforms that certain group of people from Arunachal Pradesh were killing King Cobra for meals as there is no rice left to eat due to current situation of Lockdown in Arunachal Pradesh. The Government of Arunachal Pradesh clarified that there is sufficient stock of rice available in every district of Arunachal Pradesh which can last at least for three months.
Since lockdown Indian Air Force has carried out multiple sorties of AN-32 and Helicopter for lifting rice to remote locations in Arunachal Pradesh. State government has also used its helicopter for the said purpose.
FCI has also provided more than 1000MT of rice for open market sales in various districts. Besides the Government of India allocated more than 12,000 MT of food grains under PMGKAY to Arunachal Pradesh. More than 8000MT of rice was under lifting and distribution across the State to provide food to the people under PMGKAY. The State has also created a buffer stock of 100 MT of potato and 60MT of pulses which can be released in market based on the demand. The State is also providing free ration to those whose livelihood has been impacted due to lockdown. Around 20,000 persons have received free ration in various districts of Arunachal Pradesh since lockdown has announced.
All the officials are available round the clock for any kind of clarification on COVID-19 related issues. Hence the media fraternity to obtain information and clarification from official government sources before reporting anything related to COVID-19
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